griskait

Hi all,
I'm looking at a 13 gl450.
​​​​new engine at 60k due to coolant leak.
currently the car has 120k and an extended warranty.
I read about the m278 issues but does the fact the engine had been replaced in 2018 offers any added reassurance, in particular did mercedes fixed any of the issues or should I consider it as bad as any other m278?
thanks

chassis

The engine you refer to is the M278 V8 with twin turbos and direct injection. No on one this site has definitively indicated with MB documentation that anything has changed in the engine, specifically related to cylinder scoring. Scoring is non-repairable fatal issue, unless the engine is re-sleeved. Summary: all M278 V8s are potentially subject to cylinder scoring.

Keep looking for a vehicle with an M276 3.0L twin turbo in the GLS450.

griskait

I appreciate the input.

Panzerknacker

Recent thread on the subject https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...placement.html

griskait

reading and re-reading that thread for s while now and doing some math
Thanks

Ricardoa1

Was it replaced with a new MB one or used? I would not bet on MB doing any changes to the design of the engine. If I was more informed
at the time of my purchase I would probably looked for another vehicle, but I’m invested and so just need to face anything that comes up. But so far it’s been a good truck.

griskait

Brand new engine,mounts,radiator.
I'm looking at other 7 seater... and I cannot find a suitable substitute

Ricardoa1

If you look at it from a depreciating item perspective, similar
to a lease then I think it would work out for you. If you are looking at putting 200k and hold on forever. This might not be the right one. You might find this one worthwhile for another 100k tho.

E55Greasemonkey

I, and others, are starting to see failures of the cam adjusters and camshafts (pulse wheel spinning out of place) on these engines now that they are ageing. It's isn't a catastrophic failure like cylinder scoring, however the repairs are expensive.

griskait

you nailed it 👌

Ricardoa1

That’s a pretty unique failure, and sad that the pulse/reluctor wheel just spins on the cam, but typically a code would be set when is out of degrees. A pressed on wheel with no way of telling it has moved, no key ways or alignment marks. Tisk tisk.

E55Greasemonkey

Yes, it will set a code. There are laser marks to indicate the position of the camshaft to the wheel, unfortunately these can only be seen once the adjuster is removed. It's a design flaw as there is no key to hold the wheel in place on the camshaft, I suppose the engineers figured a press fit was good enough, but I believe the failing cam adjusters and the rattle noise is vibrating the wheel out of place. Viewing through the cam position sensor opening isn't accurate enough to see if it's slipped.